MARGARET MARY (READ) RUGGIERO

April 9, 1916 - November 7, 2009

Obituary

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits MARGARET MARY RUGGIERO who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional "old school" morals, MARGARET was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with MARGARET knew her as a well-respected...

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits MARGARET MARY RUGGIERO who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional "old school" morals, MARGARET was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with MARGARET knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

MARGARET was born on April 9, 1916 at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco, California. Her parents were George W. And Mary A. Read. MARGARET was raised in San Francisco, California. Even as a youngster, MARGARET learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, MARGARET was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. She had one older brother George 'Bud' Read. MARGARET had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For MARGARET, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

MARGARET's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, MARGARET enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. She was a Drill Team Member at Park Side Grammer Elementy School. In her spare time she liked spending summers at Camp Mceker.

In school, MARGARET was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, MARGARET was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. MARGARET's personal motto could well have been, "Do it right the first time." She graduated from St. Paul High School, in San Francisco in 1934. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was recess - fun. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was sister St. Cyril.

MARGARET was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When MARGARET was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn't afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to MARGARET came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Helen Collins and Edna Leste. Private club - six ladies in a club called the N. N. Club (No Name) who stayed friends to the end. Later in life, she became friends with Helen Collins, Edna Leste, Kay Kaluber and Leo Tyan.

An objective and conscientious individual, MARGARET reveled in the security of her family. On May 16, 1942 MARGARET exchanged wedding vows with Richard Francis Ruggiero at the St. Francis Catholic Church of San Francisco, CA. One of MARGARET's most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

MARGARET was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. MARGARET would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. MARGARET was blessed with three children, two daughters Jan and the late Barbara (1983), one son Richard (Rick). They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Karen, Matt, Julie, Denise, Jason, Jeff, Mark, Annie and eleven great grandchildren.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, MARGARET was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, MARGARET was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, MARGARET upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was originally a secretary in the Presidio then full time Homemaker and Social Butterfly. MARGARET was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of "give me a job, and I will get it done."

MARGARET approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Social Butterfly, loved to have fun, the consumate hostess. MARGARET was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for MARGARET to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, MARGARET played basketball. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity.

Being generous with her time and energy, MARGARET liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, MARGARET was a member of the Drill Team and Duaghters of the Golden West. In college, MARGARET was a member of the Young Ladies Institute (where she met her husband).

Faith was important to MARGARET. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of 57 years at St. Cecilia Catholic Church and the last 38 years at St. Anthony of Padua, Novato. Margaret was a dedicated catholic woman. During that time, she was lighting candles, chatting with priests, praying for and with fellow parishieners.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, MARGARET used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. MARGARET had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included traveling by train with friends and family to Colorado, all throught the state of California and as a young girl with her family.

When MARGARET's retirement finally arrived in Never retired, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating to the mobile park in Novato. In retirement, she found new pleasure in participting in the club house. In many ways, MARGARET loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

MARGARET passed away on November 7, 2009 at She passed away in the comfort of her home with her loving family surrounding her. She is survived by her daughter Jan Mazeau, son Richard Ruggiero , grandchildren Karen, Matt, Julie, Denise, jason, Mark, Annie and eleven great grandchuildren. Services were held at Keaton's Redwood Chapel (Rosary), St Anthony Catholic Church (Funeral Mass), Novato, CA. MARGARET was laid to rest in Mt. Olivet Cathiolic Cemetery, San Rafael, CA.

All who knew her would agree that MARGARET was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. MARGARET MARY RUGGIERO did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.